No progress in recovery

Hi Currant,

I feel for him. I'm heading that way in several weeks. Just about to have third chemo on Friday. Not looking forward to op or afterwards. Then more chemo on top. It's one hell of a challenge. 

He's fortunate to have you caring for him and I know that must be so difficult for you. I'm sure you'll get through it together.

Best regards

Geo 

Hi Currant,

Dont be too disheartened and try and remember that it’s great he’s still around to be on the sofa as a lot of people don’t have the surgical option on the table.

My surgeon recommended full stomach removal to me to minimise chances of recurrence etc and I was massively apprehensive for life the other side of that life changing re plumbing and journey but I trusted his expertise and judgement implicitly and without it, I know I would not be here today - but am 2 years post op now and am about to celebrate my 12 year wedding anniversary at the Men’s Final in Wimbledon next Sunday - so after not thinking I’d be here for our 11th anniversary, I’m thankful even with the life changing stomach removal.

We’ve lots to be positive about and for post surgery, and try to remind him of that.

I can’t speak to partial removal as I had total gastrectomy, but for me it is usual to have no appetite whatsoever now. I still love food, I still eat lots, I still taste and savour it all … but if my Wife didn’t remind me or I didn’t have alarms set on my phone I could easily go the whole day without remembering to eat as I have no stomach to rumble and tell me I’m hungry !

If he isn’t eating much, that will affect his energy levels and also exercise is key to getting the blood pumping, endorphins going and feel good … so try and encourage him to eat some more and get out into this I glorious sunshine for a walk, vitamin d from the sunshine and a zest for his second chance at life. 

Encourage him and let him know what he’s experiencing is normal and to push on through if he can.

Dumping wise, Brent here have a good tip that I use. Carry some Pic n Mix and when it hits, have a couple of sweets and it’ll help stabilise you back down.

I was out for my daughters birthday on Saturday at Pizza Express and managed some dough balls, two bottles of cola and a whole Classic American pizza - which isn’t bad for someone with no stomach !

Keep going, you can do it !

 Hi 

I had my op in October 22 and I am still struggling with upset stomach, which I have at least once a day often a lot more, and stomach ache after eating. I no longer feel hungry but I was warned that the nerves are normally damaged in the op so this is normal.  I do however have days I feel like I need to eat and so I go with it on those days.  I am still losing weight all be it much slower now, I should say I did need to lose weight so this is a good thing I am now a healthy weight and feel better for it. 

I know I am lucky to have been offered surgery and to be here so I am learning to adapt the way I live to work with the issues.  I try not to eat 2-3 hours before I go out, I do drink instead, but do eat or drink when out as long as I know I can use a toilet soon after if I need to.  I walk most days, going early morning so I can eat when I get back not before, and it has really improved my mental health.  I know it can be hard to find the motivation especially when you feel low in energy but I can not over state how much it has helped me. I would try to find something to encourage getting off the sofa even if it’s just a drive in the car or visit to a garden centre.  

I read a post some time ago where someone said that the probiotic drinks had helped so I am now having one of those each day just in case.  Although it is important we eat and drink throughout the day I try not to stress over this and fit it in to suit me and what I am doing that day. I also eat what I fancy and enjoy whatever the time of day so if I am going to feel awful at least I enjoyed the taste, smell, texture etc. on the way! 

It’s great to hear Red10 and where he is now so I have every faith it will get easier and settle longer term I just hope your husband finds this soon. 

Hi Currant, another carer here, my husband had all his stomach removed in Jan this year, he had a few up and down days for a couple of months but doing ok now. Like Red 10 he doesn’t get hungry but does eat what I give him but in smaller portions. It’s hard for him to put weight on but at least he’s not losing it now. He didn’t have chemo so maybe that helped but it’s also frightening wondering if it’ll come back. He’s 80 and has two other cancers. I’m no help to you really I just wanted you to know we’re here for you. X

Red 10 congrats on your wedding Anniversary and enjoy your day at Wimbledon. Alway nice knowing you’re around x

Thank you very much for taking the time to reply, you seem to be doing so well and have a positive outlook. I know that exercise would be so beneficial but he doesn’t seem to listen to me. I am one for reading up on things snd seeking advice, changing my diet etc but he is not the same, I just don’t want to nag him as only he knows how he feels. It is a delicate situation. but I will keep trying. 
Thsnk you

Thank you Sue.,always good to hear from others in my position. 

Good luck with your op and further chemo Geo. Just stay positive and keep striving for your best life. 

1. Hi ..He may have depression ..It can occur in some people especially after they’ve been through a traumatic experience  ..My husband had it and he was given meds from our GP ..They  have really helped him at a time when he needed something to take the edge off the trauma of his experience ..I know it’s not ideal and some people don’t want to take medication and some don’t need anything but fresh air and exercise …but it may be worth your husband paying a visit to your GP to see if they can help in any way ..If he will go to your GP it’s also a way of getting him outside of the house and you never know he may find it feels good to be out and want to do it more often ? Hope your situation improves soon  …regards J 

That’s lovely of you to say, thank you. Pass on my regards to Mart, hope he’s doing well too. And I know you mentioned being terrified about return but I always remember what my surgeon tells me each time I see him … we don’t go through an op like that to have it removed to then spend our time the other side worrying. We must try to enjoy the second chance we’ve got !